Advertisement
Safety
This machine meets or exceeds the B71.1-2003
specifications of the American National
Standards Institute, in effect at the time
of production. However, improper use or
maintenance by the operator or owner can
result in injury. To reduce the potential for
injury, comply with these safety instructions
and always pay attention to the safety
alert symbol, which means CAUTION,
WARNING, or DANGER-"personal safety
instruction." Failure to comply with the
instruction may result in personal injury or
death.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from ANSI
standard B71.1-2003.
This product is capable of amputating hands and
feet and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions
in the operator's manual and on the machine
before starting.
• Do not place hands or feet near rotating parts
or under the machine. Keep clear of the
discharge opening at all times.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar
with the instructions to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop the machine if anyone enters
the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Always look down and behind
before and while backing up.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and
do not point it at anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction. Material
may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when
making turns. Look behind and to the side
before changing directions.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop
engine, and remove key before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing. Stop the
engine and wait for all parts to come to a
complete stop before cleaning the machine,
removing the grass catcher or unclogging the
discharge chute.
• Operate the machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating
the mower.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of
riding mower-related injuries. These operators
should evaluate their ability to operate the
riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
• Always follow the recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and
fall accidents, which can result in severe injury.
Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
• Watch for ditches, holes, rocks, dips, and rises
that change the operating angle, as rough
terrain could overturn the machine.
• Choose a low ground speed so you will not
have to stop while operating on a slope.
• Do not mow slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause
sliding and loss of control.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going
down slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast
downhill.
4
Advertisement
